Just when should you stop saying “happy new year”? For many, as long as they have not spoken to you or seen you in 2026, “happy new year” greetings can extend into March or even February 13, just before Valentine’s Day.
The month took the name “January” from Janus, a Roman god of doorways, gates and beginnings.
Before it was recognised as a month, which was in 713 BC or thereabouts, the calendar started in March, and it had 10 months. Roman king Numa Pompilius added it to the new 12-month calendar alongside February.
Fireworks display at UAP Old Mutual Towers in Nairobi on January 1, 2026 as Kenyans ushered in the New Year.
Photo credit: Billy Ogada | Nation Media Group
Some Kenyans sampled by the Nation believe that this 31-day “door” month should offer enough time for anyone who wishes to tell another “happy new year”.
Thus, if you find yourself uttering the three-letter salutation beyond January 31, consider buying a big hat with the word “misfit” on it. Many will need this, because it is common to hear someone ask, “is it too late to say ‘happy new year?’” well beyond Valentine’s Day.
However, Ms Alice Muhirwa, an executive coach and a leadership trainer with expertise in etiquette, says that in formal settings, “happy new year” should not go beyond the first week of the year.
“The formal way to do it is from the first day of the year to the seventh day of the year. Beyond that, you are not obliged to use ‘happy new year’. You can use normal, formal greetings,” she told Nation, adding that it applies to emails and other formal types of communication.
We asked seven Kenyans about the best time to drop “happy new year” as a salutation. Four of them chose January 31, two went for January 15, and one opted for January 7.
January 7 was picked by Mr Omondi Nyangla, a public communication officer in the Office of the Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy, based in Nairobi. His justification? “After the first week of January, everyone should now focus on realising their goals for the year ahead,” he said.
A boy lights up and spins round a steel wool in the Kangemi area, giving the fireworks vibes to mark the new year 2026 celebrations.
Photo credit: Billy Ogada| Nation Media Group
Picking January 15 were Albert, a Bomet-based Kenya Power technician, and Titus, a communications expert based in Nairobi.
“The 15th is mid-month and normal day-to-day activities have started flowing,” said Albert.
He added: “By the 15th of January, the year is already growing old, with everyone’s focus being on new bills, school fees, et cetera. After the 15th, everyone focuses on Valentine’s Day.”
The majority went with the very last day of January, which is the 31st.
Vostine Ratemo, based in Kisii County, said the tail end of January is the ideal expiry because “by the end of January I believe people wouldn’t be fixated on celebrating a new year but focusing on key issues like school fees, maize farming, among others”.
Jibril Adam, a teacher and author, said January 31 is the ideal deadline because “that’s how far the beginning ends”.
Jacinta, based in Nairobi, said: “January 1 denotes a new beginning. The newness should, of course, expire with what marked its beginning.”
Cliff, a teacher based in Nakuru, said January 31 is the ideal cut-off “for us to fully align with our aspirations and expectations”.
The debate on when “happy new year” should go off people’s lips is a global one. From New Zealand to the US, from the UK to India, many writers have expended lots of energy weighing in on the matter.
On Reddit, one of the top online discussion platforms, there is a thread started in 2022 about the ideal time to lock up the three-letter salutation. Though opinions are split in the thread, the centre line teeters around January 15.
In Kenya, there is evidence of using “happy new year” at least until February, especially in legislative houses at the national and county levels.
